You can have fun, custom plates for any occasion! Add a monogram, a graphic, lines, etc. Your design is only limited to what types of stamps you can find! Plus, the food markers are edible and wash off so you have a clean slate (plate) for next time!

Need MORE ideas for Valentine's Day? Join me on Thursday, January 20 for a Valentine's Day chat over at Blog Frog! We'll be chatting at 9 EST about all things Valentine's Day! If you need ideas for food, decor, gifts, treats... c'mon over!

December 20, 2010

This year, in one room of my house, I constructed a ribbon wall to use as a backdrop for Candy Cane Christmas.

The frame was built out of 1/2 inch pvc. After measuring the area I wanted to cover, I ended up with 4 10 ft pvc pieces. I cut them to roughly 6 ft. And made a square by using the coordinating T joints.

From there, just hot glue strips of ribbon onto the top pole.

I'll warn you, you're going to go through quite a bit of ribbon, especially for a 6 ft wall like this was. I stockpiled ribbon for some time to use for this project - finding ribbon on sale and even scoring big rolls of red velvet ribbon at Goodwill. Tip: if you're making one last minute for Christmas or you want to make one for next year, Michaels has their hoilday ribbon 60% off right now! Plus a 20% off coupon here.

The ribbon lays flat. Unfortunately, in taking these photos, the heat was blowing and the ribbon is moving.

Make sure to trim the bottom of the ribbon to the length you need. You want the ribbon to lay flat and straight and not buckle at the bottom.

This ribbon wall concept would work great for other occasions as well, backdrops for birthday parties, showers and weddings. They would be beautiful outside with the ribbons blowing in the breeze! This red and white one would even be great for Valentine's Day!

Ribbon walls create a great dimension and texture to a focal point! Try one!

November 16, 2010

Thanks to Scotch(R) Double Sided Tape for sponsoring my writing about crafts. Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win free sample rolls to help with your upcoming holiday needs.

I thought I'd show you a super easy way to create a quick table skirt. All you need is a light piece of fabric and this...

Let's get started!

I have this buffet and I use it as a focal point of holiday decor in one room. There is a Christmas tree next to it and I usually work with one theme. This year's theme is candy canes. So, I want to create a consistent color palette which means covering up the cherry wood.

I use double sided tape to temporarily wrap the table in fabric for a fitted table skirt. Now, before you get anxious, yes, I do place the tape on the wood but don't worry... it comes off easily. That being said, I don't guarantee that the tape will hold for a long time so this tutorial is meant for a quick, one evening table skirt.

The first thing you want to do is measure your fabric. You do not want excess fabric. The heavier the fabric, the more it pulls on the tape which means tension on the fabric.

For the bottom of the fabric, the part that goes to the floor, if you don't sew, cut the fabric a bit longer than needed and tuck under. Always better to cut longer than shorter.

Also, before you start on the table, make sure your fabric is ironed. You'll see why I say that later. LOL

Then we're ready to attach!

I start on the side and press the fabric into the tape smoothly and evenly.

When you get to a corner, you fold the fabric like you're wrapping the corner of a present.

Here's the other corner...

Here's what it looks like in the end. See that lovely crease in the fabric? Definitely iron your fabric!I've talked about it before and I'll say it again, a wrinkled tablecloth can ruin any table decor. Your eye automatically goes straight to the crease. (Believe me, I'll fix this.) LOL

After the taping is done, Then you can cover the top with a runner or another piece of bunched up fabric for depth. I placed a candy cane striped fabric on top just to show you. Next.. start adding your decorative pieces!